Hello. I am Heather Kavanagh and I make models.

My parents always encouraged my sister and me to be creative. Eventually, they accepted that my creativity also included making models of things. My interest in recreating real things at small scales has never gone away, not helped by an endless fascination with all forms of transport.

My work background is in graphic design, by way of civil engineering. I became self-employed in 2001, and graphic design was my main business.

I was asked a while ago if I would build some model railway carriages for a friend. Since then, I have been asked by more people to quote for building their models. Before I knew it, I found myself a professional modelmaker, and one of the modelmakers recommended by Just Like The Real Thing.

To get me away from the workbench, I am also a keen amateur photographer, with a specialisation for getting up in the middle of the night to catch the sun rising over the Medway and Thames estuaries! All the photos in this web site are my own work. You can keep up with activities on my blog, follow me on Twitter (@Snaptophobic is my personal stream, @HKModelmaker for the model stuff) or if Facebook is your thing you can also find me there.

Testimonials in brief

I was really pleased that Heather took so much time and trouble to produce a first rate model from a kit which presented not a few challenges. CH, Hampshire.Click to read more…

The coaches are beautifully finished, painted and weathered, and were delivered where and when agreed. NC, West Midlands.Click to read more…

I am delighted with the splendid WD that Heather produced for me. Peter J, Hampshire. Click to read more…

The extra details added and quality of build and painting show the skill and dedication she has. Thoroughly recommended. Andrew H, Cornwall.Click to read more…

Heather has constructed seven coaches for me from the Just Like The Real Thing range, all have been completed to a fabulous standard. Richard C, Herts.Click to read more…

During the building process, Heather kept me regularly informed of progress by e-mail that included photographs. Chris Klein, Ixion Model Railways Ltd and Minerva Model Railways. Click to read more…